[PsychDoc]

Not really clear about what they are and how they come implemented in these cars.

I believe they have something to do with being able to leave your brights on without blinding drivers of oncoming traffic. So does this mean you can leave your brights on constantly at night? Seems odd.

Also the wording on the feature and build sheets says something about this being "pre- wired" or "pre-coded."
Does this mean that it's not fully operational when we get the car? That something else needs to be done to make it function?

I'm confused. Can anyone shed further light on exactly what this is and whether owners have to do something else to make it operational following delivery?

[MikeElmendorf]

It is unfortunately decided (turned off) in the US. That’s what you are seeing on your build sheet.

This is because of antiquated regulations at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration that do not allow that type of headlight operation in the US. It works in the rest of the world. The good news is that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill included language authorizing headlights like this, but NHTSA still has to promulgate regulations to make it so. Hasn’t happen yet.

As for what they do, your description is pretty much right. I have them coded on in my M550 (soon to be replaced by the M60) and my X5. Had it coded in my last two BMWs too. It is pretty amazing. It carves the light around other cars but keeps the high beams on much more than you’d normally get. If you search for BMW adaptive headlights, you’ll find videos online demonstrating it.

Unfortunately it seems due to changes in iDrive 8.5, that type of coding is no longer possible because there is now BMW server side validation that checks the coding in the car against the original vehicle order.

My guess is once NHTSA gets the regulation done, this will become a purchasable option in iDrive.

It will be worth whatever price, in my view. It is super cool and it stinks we can’t have it out of the gate. The headlights are really hobbled with it decoded. Everyone who rides in my cars and sees it gives it an “oh wow” and it really enhances nighttime visibility significantly. It is one thing I will really miss when the M60 gets here (hopefully this week).

[PsychDoc]

Awesome response and explanation. Really appreciate it. Hopefully our regulators get their collective heads out of their butts and allow this technology to be used here. It sounds like a great idea and one that will benefit everyone...a classic win-win scenario.
Thanks again!

[MikeElmendorf]

My pleasure. Here’s a link to the video:

[PsychDoc]

Quick question. I now understand that it "carves out" the high beams for oncoming cars. How does it handle not blinding drivers through the rear view mirror of cars in front of you? If you're gaining on a car in front of you do have to lower your headlights to low beam or does the anti-dazzle feature allow you to leave the highs on and still not bother the driver ahead?

[MikeElmendorf]

Check out the video and I think you’ll see how it tunnels the light around the car in front of you.

[PsychDoc]

Originally Posted by MikeElmendorf

Check out the video and I think you’ll see how it tunnels the light around the car in front of you.

Yup, I missed that part. Damn, that's a really, really cool technology. I hope it gets approved for use here soon and that it won't be a hastle getting it activated in our cars 'after the fact.'

[MikeElmendorf]

Activating it would be no problem at all--BMW just has to undo the decoding of it. Coding it on pre-iDrive 8.5 cars is also not that difficult and is frequently done.

At least I'll still have it on the X5 for now.

[RichardInCA]

Fingers crossed - the quality of the headlights was one of the things that really stood out to me when I first bought a BMW. Would love to get this coded on my M60.